LookSmart Home Inspections

Most people do not pay much attention to retaining walls, until they fail.
I recently wrote a detailed article explaining what I look for when a home has a retaining wall. I cover leaning walls, cracking, bulging, drainage problems, and what these signs could mean. Retaining walls may seem simple, but there is often more going on beneath the surface.

If you are buying a home in New Jersey and there is a retaining wall on the property, this article is worth a few minutes of your time.

Read it here: https://www.looksmarthomeinspections.com/blog/inspectors/what-nj-home-inspectors-look-for-when-inspecting-retaining-walls/

What NJ Home Inspectors Look for When Inspecting Retaining Walls - LookSmart Home Inspections What NJ home inspectors look for in retaining walls. Learn how soil pressure, cracks, drainage, and construction affect home safety and property value.

Decks Look Nice... But Are They Safe?

As a NJ home inspector for over 25 years, I have seen too many decks that look fine on the outside but have real safety issues underneath. Loose railings, rusted fasteners, missing flashing, rot, poor attachment to the house, it adds up.

If you are buying a home with a deck, do not assume it is safe just because it looks good. I just wrote a detailed article on the most common problems I find during inspections:

Read the full article here https://www.looksmarthomeinspections.com/blog/inspectors/deck-deck-safety-issues-i-find-all-the-time-as-a-nj-home-inspector/

Stay safe and informed. This is one area where small issues can turn into big risks.

Deck Safety Issues I Find All the Time as a NJ Home Inspector - LookSmart Home Inspections NJ home inspector explains common deck safety issues found during home inspections, including loose rails, rot, rusted fasteners, and missing flashing.

Your attic might be causing problems you cannot see. Poor ventilation can lead to mold, roof damage, and higher energy bills. In this post, I break down what I look for during a NJ home inspection and explain why attic airflow matters more than most people realize.

Why Poor Attic Ventilation Can Lead to Bigger Problems Than You Think - LookSmart Home Inspections Poor attic ventilation causes mold, roof damage, and high energy bills. A 25-year NJ home inspector explains what to look for and how to fix it.

Do Home Inspectors Check for Building Code Violations?

This is one of the most common questions I get during NJ home inspections.

Short answer: I do not enforce code, but that does not mean I ignore code-related problems. I have been inspecting homes in New Jersey for over 25 years, and when I see something unsafe, improperly done, or just not right, I call it out.

In this article, I break down what a NJ home inspection actually includes, what it does not, and how I handle concerns that might tie into code issues, especially in older homes or places with recent renovations.

Great info if you're buying, selling, or just trying to understand how home inspections work.

Read the full article here: https://www.looksmarthomeinspections.com/blog/inspectors/do-home-inspectors-check-for-building-code-violations/

Do Home Inspectors Check for Building Code Violations? - LookSmart Home Inspections Do NJ home inspectors check for code violations? Learn what a NJ home inspection covers, what it does not, and how code issues are handled during inspections.

Thinking about buying a home in NJ?

One of the most important steps in the home-buying process is the home inspection. It helps you understand the true condition of the property, well beyond what you can see during a walk-through. From foundation checks to plumbing, electrical systems, and roofing, a thorough inspection can save you from costly surprises down the road.

Curious about what your home inspector will look for? Here are some key areas to focus on:

Foundation stability

Roof condition

Plumbing issues (like old galvanized pipes)

Electrical systems and safety

HVAC performance

It’s always better to know what you’re dealing with before making a decision. Make sure you choose an experienced inspector who will give you an honest, thorough assessment of the home.

Want to know more about what to expect during your next inspection? Read our latest article here

What to Look for in Your Next Home Inspection: A Guide from Your Trusted NJ Home Inspector - LookSmart Home Inspections Learn what to expect during your NJ home inspection, covering everything from foundation checks to plumbing, roofing, and HVAC systems.